Adding takes away??
- To: <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
- Subject: Adding takes away??
- From: "* S* <m*@beaconmortgage.com>
- Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 05:05:36 -0800
"When a large amount of organic material is added to the soil,
microorganisms multiply rapidly. Since they construct their bodies from
the same nutrients that plants use, soil nutrients can be relatively
unavailable for a time after an addition of manure or compost. This
condition may persist until the organic material is broken down and
nutrients are released.
To overcome the temporary lack of nutrients, McNeilan suggests adding
organic material to the soil in the autumn before spring planting, or
smaller amounts at a time in the spring, when warm weather will hasten
break down. You can also sprinkle in some fertilizer, such as ammonium
sulfate at the time of tilling to give an immediate source of
nutrients."
From an Oregon State Extension Service Bulletin
I know I never realized that adding organic material had ANY downside,
albeit even temporary. Clearly this information points to an "as early
as possible"
incorporation of my winter "green manure" crop which, due to Oregon's
early season wet soil, probably means using a garden fork rather than
tilling.
Mike in Oregon
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